Compressor
4+

Powerful encoding. Delivered.

Screenshots

Description

Compressor integrates tightly with Final Cut Pro to add power and flexibility to your video conversions. A simple interface lets you quickly customize output settings, enhance images, and package your film for sale on the iTunes Store. For even faster conversions, easily set up distributed encoding using other Mac computers.

Advanced Encoding for Final Cut Pro• Use Compressor to customize encoding settings for Final Cut Pro• Save a custom setting in Compressor and the setting will automatically appear in Final Cut Pro• Set up batch processes to streamline the encoding of large numbers of files• Build custom Destinations to combine encoding with additional tasks such as moving or copying files• Create self-contained Droplets to encode on the desktop with drag-and-drop ease• Share settings like an HEVC output setting with other editors, even if Compressor isn't installed on their systems• Send Final Cut Pro and Motion projects to Compressor to encode video in the HEVC format

Support for Industry Standards• Encode to a broad range of industry standard formats including HEVC, MPEG-4, H.264, MXF and ProRes• Work with a choice of themed menus to encode and burn a DVD or Blu-ray disc• Generate files for HTTP live streaming in a single step• Import Targa, DPX, TIFF, PSD, PNG or OpenEXR image sequences and encode them to any setting• View, adjust, and deliver closed captions in CEA-608, SRT, and iTT formats

Pristine Format Conversions• Convert any file between formats — such as NTSC to PAL, SD to HD or progressive to interlaced video• Import and manipulate wide color video, then deliver in standard Rec. 601 and Rec. 709 color spaces or in wide Rec. 2020 color space• Deliver High Dynamic Range (HDR) video with controls for color space conversions and HDR metadata• Deliver HDR video as P3 D65 PQ, Rec. 2020 PQ, and Rec. 2020 HLG• Use CABAC entropy multi-pass H.264 encoding for superior results with hardware-accelerated export on supported systems• Clean up and customize your content using image filters, a timecode overlay, and watermarks• Speed up video, slow it down, or adjust the frame rate to make the duration match a runtime

Distributed Encoding• Save time by distributing encoding work among multiple workstations• Install Compressor on any Mac to activate it as a node for distributed encoding• Speed up encoding in Final Cut Pro by choosing a group of shared computers for exporting

HEVC• Encode video in the High Efficiency Video Coding format (HEVC, also known as H.265) for file sizes up to 40 percent smaller than H.264 while preserving the same visual quality*• Create a custom HEVC export setting in Compressor and use it in Final Cut Pro• Send Final Cut Pro and Motion projects to Compressor to encode video in the HEVC format• Create a self-contained HEVC droplet for drag-and-drop encoding on the desktop

MXF• Encode MXF files with support for a wide range of codecs and parameters• New MXF presets include AVC-Intra, D-10 / IMX, ProRes, and XDCAM HD in a variety of frame rates and resolutions• Support for ProRes and 10-bit Uncompressed video within an MXF container• Support for HDR video in an MXF container

HEVC• Encode video in the High Efficiency Video Coding format (HEVC, also known as H.265) for file sizes up to 40 percent smaller than H.264 while preserving the same visual quality*• Create a custom HEVC export setting in Compressor and use it in Final Cut Pro• Send Final Cut Pro and Motion projects to Compressor to encode video in the HEVC format• Create a self-contained HEVC droplet for drag-and-drop encoding on the desktop

MXF• Encode MXF files with support for a wide range of codecs and parameters• New MXF presets include AVC-Intra, D-10 / IMX, ProRes, and XDCAM HD in a variety of frame rates and resolutions• Support for ProRes and 10-bit Uncompressed video within an MXF container• Support for HDR video in an MXF container

Introduced in Version 4.3• Redesigned dark interface puts the focus on your video, with a streamlined presentation of batches and settings• Detailed video and audio file information is now displayed in the Inspector• Deliver video in standard Rec. 601 and Rec. 709 color spaces, or in wide Rec. 2020 color space• Support for the Touch Bar on MacBook Pro lets you perform common functions like adding and editing markers• Timeline overview in the Touch Bar lets you view your batch at a glance and navigate with touch• iTunes Store Package preview lets you audition alternative audio, closed captions, or subtitles to verify sync• iTunes Store Package media pass-through lets you bypass unnecessary compression• iTunes Store Package preview lets you seamlessly switch between audio streams during asset playback to speed up verification• Batch warnings and failures are now reported with detailed, actionable notes• Still image improvements include support for multiple color spaces and higher bit depths• Support for DPX, Cineon, OpenEXR still images• Support for OpenEXR image sequences• Enhanced DPX support delivers more accurate interpretation of color information, pixel aspect ratio, interlacing, and timing• Improved performance for image processing including frame rate conversions, interlacing, scaling, optical flow retiming, effects, and color space conversions• Automatic selection of optimal bit depth allows for higher-quality transcoding, color processing, and effects• Improved efficiency of CPU and GPU processing• New DVD disc templates give you more menu and background options• New options for DVD authoring let you loop playback, add motion menus, and customize menu images

4.3.1

Jan 19, 2017

• Fade In/Fade Out filter is applied correctly when using distributed encoding• Disc name and titles are correctly displayed when using languages with double-byte characters• Location paths are respected when using Compressor via Terminal• Improves performance when exporting H.264 files and changing frame rate• Exporting ProRes 4444 files with transparency using Compressor creates a correct alpha channel• Fixes an issue that could prevent processing files using 32-bit codecs including Animation, PNG, Cinepak, and WMV• Fixes an issue in which marker buttons on the Touch Bar may be displayed incorrectly• Fixes an issue that could prevent burning Final Cut Pro projects to DVD via Apple USB SuperDrive

Introduced in Version 4.3• Redesigned dark interface puts the focus on your video, with a streamlined presentation of batches and settings• Detailed video and audio file information is now displayed in the Inspector• Deliver video in standard Rec. 601 and Rec. 709 color spaces, or in wide Rec. 2020 color space• Support for the Touch Bar on MacBook Pro lets you perform common functions like adding and editing markers• Timeline overview in the Touch Bar lets you view your batch at a glance and navigate with touch• iTunes Store Package preview lets you audition alternative audio, closed captions, or subtitles to verify sync• iTunes Store Package media pass-through lets you bypass unnecessary compression• iTunes Store Package preview lets you seamlessly switch between audio streams during asset playback to speed up verification• Batch warnings and failures are now reported with detailed, actionable notes• Still image improvements include support for multiple color spaces and higher bit depths• Support for DPX, Cineon, OpenEXR still images• Support for OpenEXR image sequences• Enhanced DPX support delivers more accurate interpretation of color information, pixel aspect ratio, interlacing, and timing• Improved performance for image processing including frame rate conversions, interlacing, scaling, optical flow retiming, effects, and color space conversions• Automatic selection of optimal bit depth allows for higher-quality transcoding, color processing, and effects• Improved efficiency of CPU and GPU processing• New DVD disc templates give you more menu and background options• New options for DVD authoring let you loop playback, add motion menus, and customize menu images

4.2.1

Sep 3, 2015

• Fixes a crash that could occur after migrating a User account to another system• Restores ability to use markers for I-frame placement in H.264 exports• Export interlaced H.264 files• Improves closed caption and subtitle audio and video sync

4.1.3

Introduced in Version 4.1.2• Support for Apple ProRes 4444 XQ• Status display and improved responsiveness when using "Send to Compressor" from Final Cut Pro X and Motion• Improved performance and color accuracy when encoding H.264 source files from GoPro cameras• Fixes issues transcoding alpha channels in image sequences• Includes general stability improvements

4.1.2

Jun 27, 2014

• Support for Apple ProRes 4444 XQ• Status display and improved responsiveness when using "Send to Compressor" from Final Cut Pro X and Motion• Improved performance and color accuracy when encoding H.264 source files from GoPro cameras• Fixes issues transcoding alpha channels in image sequences• Includes general stability improvements

4.1.1

Feb 11, 2014

• Resolves issues installing Compressor on a system where Qmaster was previously enabled• Improves reliability of Send to Compressor from Final Cut Pro X• Addresses distributed encoding errors when source files are not on the startup volume• Fixes errors that could cause a hang when submitting a batch• Fixes a stability issue that could occur if multiple Compressor plug-ins are installed• Resolves an issue when viewing a plug-in setting without the plug-in installed• Includes general stability improvements

4.0.6

• Fixes an issue with the upload of clips of greater than 1 GB to Vimeo

4.0.5

Oct 23, 2012

• Improved cluster setup eliminates the need to have Compressor open on all cluster nodes• Activate additional encoding clusters without re-authentication• Addresses an issue related to third-party QuickTime components that could prevent Compressor from opening

4.0.4

Jun 11, 2012

• Enhancements to Share Monitor for the MacBook Pro with Retina display• Resolves a stability issue that could occur when selecting the Publish to YouTube job action from the Inspector

4.0.3

• Ability to run Compressor as an encoding node on a Mac without a monitor• Fixes an issue with exporting when logged in as an Open Directory user• Improves performance when encoding mp4 and AVI files

This update is recommended for all users of Compressor 4

4.0.2

Jan 31, 2012

This update improves overall stability and performance including:

• Markers set as chapter markers by default• Addition of Uncompressed 8-bit and 10-bit 4:2:2 to export settings list• Improved speed of transcoding from Uncompressed 10-bit 4:2:2 to ProRes

The update is recommended for all users of Compressor 4

4.0.1

Sep 20, 2011

This update improves overall stability and performance including:

• Updates the bitrates in Cellular settings for HTTP Live Streaming.• Fixes an issue with accessing QuickTime Export Component settings in Final Cut Pro X.• Fixes an issue in which This Computer cluster does not appear when system is configured in Chinese.• Resolves stability issues when launching Soundtrack Pro after Compressor 4 is installed.

The update is recommended for all users of Compressor 4.

4.0

Jun 20, 2011

Nov 15, 2018

Version 4.4.2

• 64-bit architecture takes advantage of all memory in your Mac to support high resolution images and projects• Backward compatibility supports legacy 32-bit formats• View, edit, and deliver closed captions in the SRT format, which is used by a wide range of websites including Facebook• Compressor uses source media properties to automatically configure MXF and QuickTime settings• Automatic configuration of settings applies correct frame rate, field order, and color space

Ratings and Reviews

3.5 out of 5

68 Ratings

68 Ratings

Bobthebomber1
04/07/2018

Encoding done right

This program gets the short end of the stick. As it is not very flashy and does not try to impress anyone with it’s interface.

But for an encoder, its great.

I can totally see why that is counter intuitive as it just takes up more processing and resources away from the machine running it. The way it incodes is a lot like a command prompt render que on a Windows machine. (Which is nothing flashy either) It loads up resources into a batch que and then without any sort of graphic interface besides text and starts encoding.

Which makes it a really strong tool for anyone that needs a large amount of FCPX or other projects rendered into a usable compressed sequence.Keepping everything to the bare minimum means that this program exports faster than FCPX and Motion could as it does not have to load up extra data and just get right to work.

There are plenty of options and way to costumize the output format. For me I really like the GIF option as it makes it easy to export a smaller and even faster file to send to my clients and have them take a look at the sequince without going all the way to sending a full copy.

There are a lot of cheaper products out there that probably could do just as good of job, but this one is constantly being updated and has a good devloper backing it. So if you run FCPX this is a must have to save time on the exporting process.

The price is $50 and it has been since 2011.

Bobthebomber1
04/07/2018

Encoding done right

This program gets the short end of the stick. As it is not very flashy and does not try to impress anyone with it’s interface.

But for an encoder, its great.

I can totally see why that is counter intuitive as it just takes up more processing and resources away from the machine running it. The way it incodes is a lot like a command prompt render que on a Windows machine. (Which is nothing flashy either) It loads up resources into a batch que and then without any sort of graphic interface besides text and starts encoding.

Which makes it a really strong tool for anyone that needs a large amount of FCPX or other projects rendered into a usable compressed sequence.Keepping everything to the bare minimum means that this program exports faster than FCPX and Motion could as it does not have to load up extra data and just get right to work.

There are plenty of options and way to costumize the output format. For me I really like the GIF option as it makes it easy to export a smaller and even faster file to send to my clients and have them take a look at the sequince without going all the way to sending a full copy.

There are a lot of cheaper products out there that probably could do just as good of job, but this one is constantly being updated and has a good devloper backing it. So if you run FCPX this is a must have to save time on the exporting process.

The price is $50 and it has been since 2011.

mjosantillanes
12/19/2017

A Great Piece of Software!

Apple offers some pretty amazing software, but Compressor is by far one of the most under rated programs out there. If you ever needed to convert Audio files to different formats, or convert video from stand definition to high definition look no further. Compressor can do a lot, and I highly recommend taking a look at Compressor’s User Guide to take full advantage of it’s capabilities! The best part is once you pay for it the software is yours, and it does not require a montly fee for use like Adobe Media Encoder.

mjosantillanes
12/19/2017

A Great Piece of Software!

Apple offers some pretty amazing software, but Compressor is by far one of the most under rated programs out there. If you ever needed to convert Audio files to different formats, or convert video from stand definition to high definition look no further. Compressor can do a lot, and I highly recommend taking a look at Compressor’s User Guide to take full advantage of it’s capabilities! The best part is once you pay for it the software is yours, and it does not require a montly fee for use like Adobe Media Encoder.

<-Asmodeus->
06/17/2018

Does not support XAVC-S mp4 files from Sony Cameras

I have a Sony FDR-AX53 and record using XAVC-S to get individual files. I want to take those files I recorded and share them with people on Dropbox and to do that I need to compress them. You'd think this app will support this use case, being called Compressor and all... but when trying to open those mp4 files from my Sony cam Apple Compressor says "Error trying to open source media file."

This is just a shame... and with the direction Apple is taking in abandoning pro users I'm starting to feel like I cannot trust them any longer.

<-Asmodeus->
06/17/2018

Does not support XAVC-S mp4 files from Sony Cameras

I have a Sony FDR-AX53 and record using XAVC-S to get individual files. I want to take those files I recorded and share them with people on Dropbox and to do that I need to compress them. You'd think this app will support this use case, being called Compressor and all... but when trying to open those mp4 files from my Sony cam Apple Compressor says "Error trying to open source media file."

This is just a shame... and with the direction Apple is taking in abandoning pro users I'm starting to feel like I cannot trust them any longer.